New beginnings for the TYP

�ʴǲ��ٱ��:��September 2026

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�ٲ��ǳܲ��’s Transition Year Program (TYP), now entering its 56th year, is experiencing new beginnings on several fronts.

With a new director, Rachelle McKay is now just over 100 days into her position and has jumped in with both feet. Right out of the gate, one of Rachelle’s priorities was to upgrade the TYP house on Lemarchant Street. Over the summer, the house saw some impressive upgrades. Beyond a simple new coat of paint, these improvements have created a great sense of renewal for TYP staff and made the house an even more welcoming environment.

TYP Director Rachelle McKay in front of the TYP house on Lemarchant Street. (Alexa Cude, Creative Studio)

Inside the TYP house on Lemarchant Street. (Alexa Cude)

As part of the process, Rachelle had the opportunity to meet applicants during the interview process. “As my first year participating in and leading the TYP interview process, I was not quite sure what to expect. It was wonderful getting to meet applicants in person to learn about their goals and motivations. Many of the applicants were quite impressive,” she said.

Among the many students who impressed her was Déja Oliver. A graduate of Halifax West High School, Déja’s enthusiasm is sure to be contagious. She said, “It’s been great getting to meet everyone and be part of a new community. I’m very excited and eager to get to work,”

Déja first learned about the TYP from a guidance counsellor while she was in junior high. She later learned more about the program from a cousin who is a past graduate. She’s now ready to use the program as a springboard for her academic and career goals.

Déja Oliver (Darcy MacPhail, Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development)

Once she graduates from the program, Déja hopes to continue her studies in �ٲ��ǳܲ��’s School of Health Sciences and pursue a career as a diagnostic medical ultrasound technician. “That’s been my dream for as long as I can remember,” she said.

With the program focused on helping Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students prepare for university, the first day of orientation began with an opening smudge performed by �ٲ��ǳܲ��’s Elder in Residence, Ann LaBillois. This was followed by a libation ceremony performed by TYP Professor Kaneka Watkins-Jackson and her daughter, Nailah-Ashe.

The students were then introduced to their instructors, two of whom are new to the TYP. The remainder of the day included a thorough review of the program and useful information about ��ɫֱ�� resources.

Ann LaBillois performs smudge ceremony at TYP orientation

Kaneka Watkins-Jackson and Nailah-Ashe Jackson peform libation ceremony at TYP orientation

Left: Elder in Residence Ann LaBillois performs the opening smudge. Right: mother and daughter duo Kaneka Watkins-Jackson and Nailah-Ashe Jackson perform a libation ceremony. (Darcy MacPhail)

The second day began with a special panel discussion featuring past graduates of the program. The event included Irvine Carvery, who was part of the first TYP class in 1970. He and other TYP alumni imparted their wisdom and advice to the current students.

TYP alumni panel discussion with students at orientation

Left to right: Rachelle McKay with TYP alumni Jazmine Dewtie, Damien Rodriquez, James Dixon, Isabella Parsons, Irvine Carvery (Darcy MacPhail)

This promises to be an exciting year ahead for TYP staff and students alike. With past graduates successfully pursuing careers in medicine, law, architecture and social work, it will be exciting to see how these students realize their own potential.